King Charles Addresses Brother Andrew’s Ties to Epstein
King Charles III has publicly addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding his brother, Prince Andrew, and his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The statement, released on February 9, 2026, marks the first time the King has spoken directly on the matter since further documents linking Prince Andrew to Epstein were made public.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace stated, “The king has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.” The spokesperson added that while the claims are for Prince Andrew to address, the royal family stands ready to cooperate with authorities if requested. “If we are approached by Thames Valley Police, we stand ready to support them as you would expect,” they said.
The latest disclosures, released by the Justice Department on January 30, include emails suggesting Prince Andrew shared official British trade documents with Epstein in 2010, after Epstein’s conviction for child sex crimes, while serving as a government envoy. This revelation has prompted Thames Valley Police to assess whether a formal investigation is warranted.
King Charles’s statement follows similar comments from Prince Edward, as well as Prince William and Princess Kate, all of whom emphasized concern for the victims of Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking. The royal family’s unified response comes as the scandal continues to unfold and attract international attention.
In November 2019, Prince Andrew stepped back from public royal duties amid mounting pressure. In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth II removed his military affiliations and his apply of the “His Royal Highness” style. A civil lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre was settled out of court in February 2022 for an undisclosed sum, with Prince Andrew making a payment to Giuffre without admitting liability. The relationship between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein has been a source of significant scrutiny for years.
Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.
The King’s comments reflect a shift in the royal family’s approach to scandal, prioritizing transparency, and accountability. More details on the King’s statement can be found here.
